LATE-NIGHT WIMBLEDON Print E-mail
October 2005

Concerned about anti-social behaviour after pub closing time?

Noise, mess and anti-social behaviour caused by some customers of Wimbledon’s pubs and bars are a major concern for people in Dundonald. Changes to licensing laws have added to these concerns.

Residents need to know what the Council is doing to solve these problems. Merton Lib Dems’ approach would be to provide individuals with information and advice on the action they can take themselves.

Liberal Democrat councillors would encourage pub owners to hold public meetings before making applications to vary licences. This would enable residents to get their feelings and concerns across to bar owners. Unlike Merton, Kingston Borough Council notifies neighbouring residents of new licence applications. Why? It’s run by Liberal Democrats!

We feel that more thought could be put into neutralising potential 'trouble hotspots' - for example, are there enough buses and trains after closing time? Do pubs and clubs do enough to prevent trouble outside their premises? Is there enough in the area for young people to do?

These are issues that Merton Lib Dems believe the Council and councillors need to address more closely.

SOME TIPS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO

Noise: Merton Council operates a Noisy Party Patrol in conjunction with police. You can contact their environmental health officers if noise from a party or a bar is bothering you by calling Wimbledon Police Station on 020 8947 1212.

Local police: The Dundonald Beat Manager, PC Sarah Coleman, is available to discuss people’s concerns and look at long-term solutions; contact her on 07900 136 079. In an emergency always call 999.

Bars/pubs extending hours: When an application is made to open a new bar, or where a bar wants to change its existing licence, you can make a "relevant representation" to the Council if you live or are involved in a business nearby.

  • Relevant representations may be made by email or post; sign all letters and include your full name and contact address.
  • The Council must receive representations within the time limit - by law it can not consider comments received after the deadline.
  • The Council has four licensing policy objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. Your comments must explain how the new licence or changes to an existing licence would affect these objectives. Comments must relate only to the specific new licence/license change that has been applied for.
  • The Council's Licensing Committee will then consider relevant representations when deciding whether to grant or reject an application or to demand additional licence conditions.
  • Merton Council's Licensing Section can be contacted at:

Telephone: 020 8545 3992 / 3968
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Postal address: London Borough of Merton, Licensing Section, 14th Floor, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX

< Prev   Next >